Phenol dosage

Phenol is an aromatic organic compound widely used in the chemical industry, particularly for the production of phenolic resins, plastics, adhesives, disinfectants, and some pharmaceutical products. Its simple and reactive structure makes it an important raw material, but also a toxic substance classified as hazardous to human health and the environment.

Phenol measurement is essential in many sectors in order to assess product conformity, limit the risks of migration in packaging and polymeric materials, and control the pollution of water and industrial effluents.

Analytical methods
Phenol analysis is based on several approaches depending on the nature of the matrix and the detection levels sought:

• HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) for wastewater, resins and glues.
• GC-FID and GC-MS for the sensitive identification and quantification of trace phenol in polymeric materials or chemicals.
• UV-Vis spectrophotometry for rapid analyses, particularly in the monitoring of liquid discharges and effluents.

These methods offer high precision and meet current regulatory requirements.

Matrices concerned
The dosage of phenol applies to a wide variety of matrices:

• Wastewater and industrial effluents , to control pollution and verify compliance with imposed thresholds.
• Glues and resins , particularly in formulations based on phenolic resins.
• Disinfectants and chemicals containing phenol.
• Polymeric materials and packaging , in order to detect residues and assess migration risks.

Industrial applications

• Environmental control : assess and reduce the presence of phenol in wastewater and industrial effluents.
• Material safety : check the compliance of plastics and food packaging with European regulations (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011).
• Industrial quality : ensuring control of phenol-based resins and glues.
• Hygiene and disinfection : control disinfectant formulations containing phenol.

Additional analyses
Phenol dosage can be combined with other tests for a more complete view of the quality and safety of materials:

• Determination of bisphenol A and its derivatives, also present in plastics and resins.
• Dosage of phthalates , common additives in polymers.
• NIAS assay to identify substances not intentionally added to packaging.
• Specific migration tests to measure the transfer of potential contaminants.

Regulations and quality issues
Phenol is classified as a hazardous substance in the European Water Directive (2008/105/EC) and must be monitored in industrial effluents. In the food contact materials sector, its use is strictly regulated by Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011.

Compliance with these regulations requires manufacturers to implement regular analytical controls in order to avoid any non-compliance, protect consumers and guarantee the durability of materials placed on the market.

YesWeLab Expertise
YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, selected for their expertise in physicochemical analyses and their compliance with COFRAC requirements. Each request is directed to the most suitable laboratory and method according to the matrix, guaranteeing reliable results that comply with international standards.

Thanks to our digital platform, manufacturers can easily manage their analytical needs: online requests, quick quotes, sample tracking, and centralized results. Since 2020, YesWeLab has supported numerous players in the polymer, environmental, and agri-food sectors.